Abstract: A DNA-based nanosensor system performs photoacoustic detection of cytokines. Cytokine receptors and a photoacoustic reporter dye are used in the nanosensor for cytokine detection, which can be reversible, and can be performed continuously, in vivo, in real time. Upon receptor binding to the cytokine, the DNA structure of the nanosensor closes to induce controlled dye stacking for photoacoustic application/interrogation, resulting in an increase in photoacoustic signal in the presence of the detected cytokine. The open or closed state of the sensor can be determined through differential signals as detected with photoacoustic imaging. A system using the nanosensor performs simultaneous multiplexed cytokine imaging, in the form of an inline and removable system paired with a clinical photoacoustic instrument. Cytokines can be detected in animal research use and in human point-of-care use.

Abstract: Disclosed herein sensor matrices comprising nanofibers and one or more sensor components, wherein the one or more sensor components detect an analyte. In addition, methods of making and detecting the sensor matrices are disclosed. For example, a nanofiber with a shell and coaxial core may be made with a sensor in the shell.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions comprising a plastic polymer core, a shell surrounding the plastic polymer core, a ligand comprising a binding moiety, an enzyme capable of catalyzing the hydrolysis of a target compound, and a contrast agent, as well as methods of use of such compositions.

Abstract: Disclosed herein sensor matrices comprising nanofibers and one or more sensor components, wherein the one or more sensor components detect an analyte. In addition, methods of making and detecting the sensor matrices are disclosed. For example, a nanofiber with a shell and coaxial core may be made with a sensor in the shell.

Abstract: Co-crystals comprising at least one nutraceutical compound and at least one co-crystal former with or without impurities. These co-crystals may be included in compositions (optionally also including other components such as pharmaceutically acceptable excipients, other nutritional supplements, etc.) having utility as pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, nutritional supplements, and foodstuffs.

Abstract: A system and method enabling a portable electronic device to perform fluorescent measurements are provided. The system can comprise a case that houses one or more Light Emitting Diodes and an optical filter. The system can further comprise a push button, a microcontroller and a power source. The system can cause excitation of fluorescent molecules in environmental, biological, and chemical samples, as well as in fluorescent molecules located in or on a tissue of an organism. The disclosed methods and systems also allow for the capture of images of fluorescence through the portable electronic device.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compositions including a nanosensor that is sensitive to an analyte such that the nanosensor emits a fluorescent signal upon detecting the analyte, and a catalytic agent that catalyzes a reaction in which a target substrate is converted into one or more products, such that at least one of the one or more products is the analyte. In addition, methods of using the nanosensor-catalytic agent compositions to detect a target substrate are disclosed.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for optically measuring ion concentrations in biological samples. The systems and methods employ polymer-based optical ion sensors that include ion-selective ionophores and a pH sensitive chromionophore. Electrodes are providing for electrically stimulating the biological samples.

Abstract: The invention provides coated sensors for detecting the presence of analytes. The sensor comprises one or more fluorescent sources, such as one or more quantum dots or one or more fluorescent dyes, a polymeric matrix, a surface coating, and one or more analyte sensing components. The surface coating may be a conformal polymeric film, permeable to the analyte, which may be deposited via a solventless process such as initiated chemical vapor deposition or photoinitiated chemical vapor deposition. The surface coating may increase the biocompatibility of the sensor, reduce nonspecific protein adsorption, and/or sequester functional sensor components within the sensor. The invention also provides methods for detecting the presence of an analyte with coated sensors of the invention.

Abstract: The invention provides coated sensors for detecting the presence of analytes. The sensor comprises one or more fluorescent sources, such as one or more quantum dots or one or more fluorescent dyes, a polymeric matrix, a surface coating, and one or more analyte sensing components. The surface coating may be a conformal polymeric film, permeable to the analyte, which may be deposited via a solventless process such as initiated chemical vapor deposition or photoinitiated chemical vapor deposition. The surface coating may increase the biocompatibility of the sensor, reduce nonspecific protein adsorption, and/or sequester functional sensor components within the sensor. The invention also provides methods for detecting the presence of an analyte with coated sensors of the invention.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compositions comprising an oblong optode sensing agent. The oblong optode sensing agent comprises a core and a semipermeable membrane, wherein the core comprises one or more sensors configured to bind to an analyte. In addition, methods of making and detecting the oblong optode sensing agents are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides coated sensors for detecting the presence of analytes. The sensor comprises one or more fluorescent sources, such as one or more quantum dots or one or more fluorescent dyes, a polymeric matrix, a surface coating, and one or more analyte sensing components. The surface coating may be a conformal polymeric film, permeable to the analyte, which may be deposited via a solventless process such as initiated chemical vapor deposition or photoinitiated chemical vapor deposition. The surface coating may increase the biocompatibility of the sensor, reduce nonspecific protein adsorption, and/or sequester functional sensor components within the sensor. The invention also provides methods for detecting the presence of an analyte with coated sensors of the invention.

Abstract: Chemical reactions occurring within a living cell are measured in a manner that does not affect the viability of the cell or the reaction under study. In one embodiment, one or more sensors are introduced into the cell and/or covalently associated with the exterior cell membrane. The sensor(s) emit an observable signal indicating a value of a parameter associated with the chemical reaction, e.g., the concentration of a reaction product. Because cell viability is not compromised, the cell may be stimulated (e.g., by subjection to an agonist or antagonist, a pathogen, a pharmaceutical compound, or a potential toxin) so as to affect the reaction under study.

Abstract: The invention provides ion-selective sensors capable of selectively measuring ions, e.g., Na+, K+, Cl?, etc., in the cytosol of a single living cell. The sensor comprises one or more quantum dots or a fluorescent dye, a pH-sensitive dye, and optionally an ion-selective component such as an ionophore. These elements may, for example, be disposed in a polymer matrix. The polymer matrix comprises an internalizing moiety which enables the sensor to localize within the cytosol of a cell. The internalizing moiety comprises a small molecule or peptide such as an amine, antepennepedia, mastoparan, or melittin that react under acidic conditions to release a sensor from the confines of a endosome. Once in the cytosol the sensors may detect ionic analytes by selective ion extraction by the polymer, thereby inducing a pH change within the sensor which in turn changes the absorbance of the pH-sensitive dye. The change of absorbance may in turn attenuate the intensity of detectable emissions, e.g.

Abstract: The invention provides ion-selective sensors comprising quantum dots capable of selectively measuring ions, e.g., Na+, K+, Cl?, etc., in various environments, including in the cytosol of a living cell. Quantum dots are attractive probes for microscopy due to their photophysical advantages over fluorescent dyes, including prolonged photostability, brightness and quantum efficiency. In certain embodiments, a sensor comprises one or more quantum dots, a pH-sensitive dye, and optionally an ion-selective component such as an ionophore. These elements may, for example, be disposed in a polymer matrix. In certain embodiments, the sensors may detect ionic analytes by selective ion extraction by the polymer, thereby inducing a pH change within the sensor which in turn changes the absorbance of the pH-sensitive dye. The change of absorbance may in turn attenuate the intensity of detectable emissions, e.g., fluorescence, from the quantum dot by directly absorbing its fluorescence emission.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an endosome-disrupting conjugate, and methods of delivery of said conjugate to cells. The conjugates of the invention comprise a payload and an endosome-disrupting component of which the latter comprises a plurality of moieties that react under acidic conditions, e.g., within an endosome, to release gaseous endosome-disrupting molecules, e.g., CO2 and/or O2. The payload portion of the conjugate comprises molecules or particles that perform a function, e.g., diagnostic or therapeutic, within cells. The endosome-disrupting component may be selected from polymers or polymeric capsules comprising the endosome-disrupting moieties of the invention. The conjugates optionally further comprise targeting moieties.

Abstract: Chemical reactions occurring within a living cell are measured in a manner that does not affect the viability of the cell or the reaction under study. In one embodiment, one or more sensors are introduced into the cell and/or covalently associated with the exterior cell membrane. The sensor(s) emit an observable signal indicating a value of a parameter associated with the chemical reaction, e.g., the concentration of a reaction product. Because cell viability is not compromised, the cell may be stimulated (e.g., by subjection to an agonist or antagonist, a pathogen, a pharmaceutical compound, or a potential toxin) so as to affect the reaction under study.

Abstract: Chemical reactions occurring within a living cell are measured in a manner that does not affect the viability of the cell or the reaction under study. In one embodiment, one or more sensors are introduced into the cell and/or covalently associated with the exterior cell membrane. The sensor(s) emit an observable signal indicating a value of a parameter associated with the chemical reaction, e.g., the concentration of a reaction product. Because cell viability is not compromised, the cell may be stimulated (e.g., by subjection to an agonist or antagonist, a pathogen, a pharmaceutical compound, or a potential toxin) so as to affect the reaction under study.

Abstract: The invention provides coated sensors for detecting the presence of analytes. The sensor comprises one or more fluorescent sources, such as one or more quantum dots or one or more fluorescent dyes, a polymeric matrix, a surface coating, and one or more analyte sensing components. The surface coating may be a conformal polymeric film, permeable to the analyte, which may be deposited via a solventless process such as initiated chemical vapor deposition or photoinitiated chemical vapor deposition. The surface coating may increase the biocompatibility of the sensor, reduce nonspecific protein adsorption, and/or sequester functional sensor components within the sensor. The invention also provides methods for detecting the presence of an analyte with coated sensors of the invention.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for optically measuring ion concentrations in biological samples. The systems and methods employ polymer-based optical ion sensors that include ion-selective ionophores and a pH sensitive chromionophore. Electrodes are providing for electrically stimulating the biological samples.